They say first impressions matter, and with an influx of new students at UIC, it is crucial that they can adapt to the new environment. So let's look at their stories to see what they thought for their first few weeks of the semester.
Han Xizhen
My name is Han Xizhen, from Urumqi, Xinjiang. I'm a student majoring in Applied Psychology at UIC. I finally chose UIC because I saw the publicity of UIC before the college entrance examination and understood the education mode and learning environment of UIC. UIC did not disappoint me.
Han Xizhen
One month ago, I came to UIC, where I realised the vast gap between university and middle school studies. The nearly one-month study and middle school study life in UIC have given me many surprises.
What impressed me the most was the liberal arts style class. I have been receiving traditional Chinese education for the past 18 years. In this traditional education model, students are only the recipients of knowledge. In contrast, teachers are the ones issuing instructions and exporting knowledge. While in UIC classes, I learned that students play the leading role in the class, and teachers are just guides. Teachers are no longer superior. The group discussion made me feel as if I had discovered a new continent. Before that, I never realised that I was good at communication, and I never realised how much I liked this way of learning.
Although English teaching is a big challenge for me and requires me to spend more time learning, the active learning atmosphere and exploratory learning make me feel the charm of the discipline and arouse my autonomy. One thing worth mentioning is that teachers from UIC seem to be encouraging students to be more open-minded. In my previous education, students' thoughts and ideas were often ignored, and teachers paid more attention to the views favoured by the examiners. Therefore, I feel that this class belongs to us when I can freely share our thoughts and ideas.
In addition, the colourful club activities in UIC also attracted me. In the interest club recruitment activity on 15 September, I was impressed by the enthusiastic recommendation of my seniors. It's like a kid in a candy house. So finally, I signed up for the Chuang Lian Public welfare association, the Psychological Association and the etiquette team. After signing up, I learned about the association and Student Union's activities and internal operation mode. And I can't wait to join them. I will discuss topics with my team members, exercise with my roommates, or read books in the library alone during my spare time. We prepared a cake for one of my roommates' birthday last weekend, and we cooked a hot pot for her in a public space. Even though it didn't seem so successful, she was very moved. This will also become a fond memory of my life in UIC.UIC provides space for students with different personalities to develop and creates a good learning environment for us. My life at UIC has just begun. I hope I can improve my ability and stimulate my potential here.
Nie Shiying
Hello, my name is Nie Shiying, I am from Zhengzhou, and I will spend four years at UIC. I came to UIC because of the environment and the liberal arts education. At first, I was a little scared, because the classes at the college are taught in English. I’m not good at English, especially hearing. But on the first day when I came, I knew I would begin a new life.
Nie Shiying
The Mentor Caring Programme is exciting with many kind people. The first evening when I came, I knew nothing. But, my peer mentors helped me a lot. First, he brought me to visit the campus. Then, when I got lost, he showed me the way around on a sunny day. My group was very relaxing, and we partied together and played some fun games. We become friends quickly. I think I’m fortunate to meet them.
In my free time, I will take a walk on the campus. The view in UIC is magnificent, especially in the evening. Photography may be a good choice when you’re bored. Although I did not take part in the mass organisation officially, the senior students are very enthusiastic. They teach me a lot about activities and life. So in the UIC, I think I will have a bright future.
Peng Jiayin
My name is Peng Jiayin, and I come from Foshan, Guangdong. Because of the outstanding teacher resource, I chose UIC without hesitation. It is my pleasure that I can study at UIC. In the last few weeks, there have been many exciting things happening at the university.
What impressed me most was the Mentor Caring Programme (MCP). I gained meaningful friendships that I never experienced before; we played together, studied, and helped each other. It was an unforgettable memory of my life! We went to Sun & Moon Bay and had Korean BBQ together. We took many pictures. Here are the photos.
In addition, I reckon that the course in the UIC is interesting too. After two weeks of study, my oral English has improved, my confidence boosted, and my logic has enhanced. I love UIC, and I hope that I can have a bright future.
From MPRO
Editor: Samuel Burgess
